200 Years of Bathurst

When you think of Bathurst most people automatically associate it with cold weather and car racing. It seems that Bathurst is most famous for its Bathurst 1000 race, with it coming up as the first suggestion when Bathurst is typed into Google Search. But there is more to the city than Mount Panorama and the famous annual races. Bathurst is the oldest inland settlement in Australia with many people not knowing the rich history that resides within the city.

For many of you history buffs that have never visited Bathurst, you’re missing out. This year is the perfect year to tick Bathurst off your bucket list. The city is celebrating 200 years of history since settlement in 1815.

Deputy- Surveyor George William Evans discovered Bathurst, of course he wasn’t the first one there, with it being home to the Wiradjuri people, but that didn’t stop the Europeans from claiming settlement 200 years ago.

The Wiradjuri people. Source: yourepeat

While the year is almost over and the main Bathurst 200 events, celebrating the city’s history have finished, there are still heaps of places to visit when in Bathurst.

As part of Bathurst’s heritage week in May this year, the local council unveiled a newly reconstructed flagstaff that sits in the exact position where Governor Macquarie proclaimed Bathurst as a town in May 1815.

Mayor of Bathurst, Gary Rush said he is proud to be Mayor during the bicentennial year.

“It feels pretty special to think that you have a place in our community and history. Because in our life time it’s only going to happen on this occasion.”

Mayor of Bathurst, Gary Rush. Source: Western Advocate

When you visit Bathurst you realise the number of old heritage buildings and infrastructure that have been around for well over one hundred years, like the Court House on Russell Street that has been there since settlement. You can also visit Australia’s former Prime Minister, Benjamin Chifley’s home on Busby Street.

Bathurst was established as a convict agricultural settlement with the intent that a township would be established. Governor Macquarie was so pleased when the Blue Mountains were crossed and the land beyond opened up to assist in producing food for the colony.

Governor Lachlan Maquarie. Source: Heritage Bathurst

In 1833 Bathurst was laid out with several parks, market squares and businessmen and townsfolk began building the future of Bathurst.

One of the oldest parks in Bathurst is Machattie Park, which is located next to the Court House on George Street and Russell Street.

With 200 years worth of history, Bathurst is easily one of Australia’s most iconic towns and offers more than just car racing. It is an integral part of Australia’s history. To learn more about what Bathurst has to offer you can visit www.bathurstregion.com.au